@font-face { font-family Times New Roman; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size 12pt; font-family Times New Roman; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size 10pt; font-family Times New Roman; }div.Section1 { page Section1; }A few weeks ago I attended an arts festival in Tampa. And while I was pleasantly surprised to see so many glass artists showing, I noticed that many of the artists were displaying similar items. In fact, the show could have been called the Dichroic Cabochon Show. There were trays and trays of these cabochons at every booth, and while they looked beautiful sparkling in the sunlight, I wondered how many were actually selling. Artists making projects to sell at shows, giftshops or online, should try to diversify their offerings. Go one step further and offer something a little bit different. Flip through fashion magazines, peruse mall storefronts, and log into craft site forums to find out

How and when did you get started in glass art? I saw an article about Kristin Frantzen-Orr along with a step by step example of how to do one of her famous floral beads. I talked about it so much my husband bought me a beginning torch set for the following Christmas. Once I got the kiln and the duel fuel torch, I just kept experimenting and growing from there. Kristin is still my idol and I keep telling myself that one day I will do nice, clean floral beads like hers. Your jewelry, vases, plates etc. are all beautiful. I especially love the geologic nature of your Copper Reactive dish, its so unique. Can you tell us a little about how you achieved that look? The base glass is Bullseye Steel Blue Opal (000146) and it reacts all on its own. I used clear stringers and broke up chunks

We tell ourselves not to judge a book by its cover, but the simple truth is, we are attracted to whats attractive. On a recent hunt for a birthday present for my mother, I came across several beautiful handbags in several different boutiques. What ultimately influenced my final purchase decision was the complimentary gift-wrapping offered by one of the storeowners. The handbag itself wasnt any prettier or better quality than the others I was considering, but the packaging was beautiful. Brightly colored tissue, a big sturdy box, quality wrapping paper and an oversized hand-tied bow. No, it wasnt sealed with a kiss, rather a large gold embossed sticker with the boutique name and logo (theres nothing wrong with a little discreet self-promotion). Here are a few tips for better packaging-it might just buy you your next customer. 1. Show your customers what theyll get. The boutique I mentioned earlier had